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Objective: This study aims to assess the clinical effectiveness of combining mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) with exercise intervention in improving anxiety, depression, sleep quality and mood regulation in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 60 patients with NSCLC who had not received surgical treatment were selected using convenience sampling and divided into an intervention group and control group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received conventional psychological nursing care, whereas the intervention group received a combination of MBwSR and exercise therapy. Before the intervention, a questionnaire was completed to collect the basic data of the two groups. Further questionnaires were administered at 6 and 8 weeks after treatment to assess anxiety, depression, sleep quality and other items included in the five‐item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS‐5). Results: No significant differences between the intervention and control groups were identified in terms of personal and clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). No significant differences were determined in the BSRS‐5, Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores between the intervention and control groups before the intervention. However, 6 and 8 weeks after the intervention, scores were significantly lower in both groups (p < 0.001). Significant differences in the BSRS‐5, SAS, SDS and PSQI scores were identified between the two groups at different time points (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The combination of MBSR and exercise intervention demonstrated improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep quality and BSRS‐5 scores in patients with NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tradeoff between the low humidity and the high performance remains a key challenge for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this work, a novel self-humidifying gas diffusion layer (GDL) with a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nonwoven layer between the gas diffusion substrate and the hydrophobic microporous layer is controllably prepared to elevate the cell performance under dry conditions. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with 0.25 mg cm−2 SWCNT loading exhibits a current density of 0.69 A cm−2 at 0.6 V, which is 392.8% higher than that of the counterpart without the SWCNT interlayer at the same relative humidity. Moreover, the SWCNT interlayer with rational pore structure and proper wettability dramatically improves the water retention capacity of MEA, thus enhancing the low-humidity performance of MEA. The structure design of GDL provides an effective strategy for self-humidifying PEMFC control optimization. [Display omitted] • Self-humidifying GDLs are prepared by employing a SWCNT nonwoven interlayer. • Pore structure and wettability of GDLs are regulated by SWCNT loading. • Proper wettability of SWCNT layer mitigates ohmic and charge transfer resistances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may exhibit cognitive impairment. • Cognitive impairment in boys with DMD rises with increasing brain dystrophin loss. • Boys with DMD may show improved cognition after glucocorticoids treatment. Our study aimed to explore the intellectual function of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in China and examine the correlation of full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) with age, mutation locations, mutation class, and dystrophin isoforms. We assessed 64 boys with DMD using The Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-Fourth Edition and compared intellectual function at enrollment and follow-up in the 15 patients who completed the follow-up. Our findings confirm that boys with DMD may exhibit cognitive impairment, with the Working Memory Index being the most impaired. There was no significant correlation between FSIQ and age; however, a positive correlation was noted between age and the Verbal Comprehension Index. FSIQ was not associated with mutation class, the number of affected mutated exons, or mutation locations. However, there was a significant difference in FSIQ between the groups with intact and deficient Dp140. Fifteen participants adhered to glucocorticoid therapy throughout the two-year follow-up period, and eleven of them showed an improvement in FSIQ compared to their initial scores, with improvement ranging from 2 to 20. In conclusion, patients with the cumulative loss of isoforms in the brain are at a higher risk of cognitive deficits and may require early cognitive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chemical constituents of Carpesium abrotanoides have been comprehensively studied. • Twenty-nine sesquiterpenoids including 12 new ones have been obtained and identified. • Most of the new compounds possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity. • Compounds 5 and 16 have been shown to treat atopic dermatitis in mice. Twenty-nine sesquiterpenoids, including pseudoguaiane-type (1 – 11), eudesmane-type (12 – 23), and carabrane-type (24 – 29), have been identified from the plant Carpesium abrotanoides. Of them, compounds 1 – 4 , 12 – 15 , and 24 – 27 , namely carpabrotins A–L, are twelve previously undescribed ones. Compound 3 possessed a pseudoguaiane backbone with a rearrangement modification at C-11, C-12 and C-13, while compound 4 suffered a carbon bond break between the C-4 and C-5 to form a rare 4,5- seco -pseudoguaiane lactone. Compounds 1 – 3 , 5 , 13 – 16 and 25 – 27 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with IC 50 values less than 40 μM, while compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , 13 , 14 , 16 , and 25 – 27 showed significant inhibitory activity comparable to that of dexamethasone. The anti-atopic dermatitis (AD) effects of compounds 5 and 16 were tested according to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in KM mice, and the results revealed that the major products 5 and 16 improved the histological features of AD-like skin lesions and mast cell infiltration in mice. This study suggested that sesquiterpenoids in C. abrotanoides should play a key role in its anti-inflammatory use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the daily climate data of 156 meteorological stations in the dry farming area of northern China during 1961-2018 and the data of the spring maize growth period during 1991-2013, the dryland area in northern China was divided into four sub-areas according to the aridity index. Based on the crop water deficit index (CWDI), the temporal and spatial characteristics of spring maize drought in dryland area of northern China were revealed by analyzing water supply and demand, inter-annual variation of CWDI, drought station ratio, and frequency. The results showed that :(1) the water supply and demand in I(humid area) and II(sub-humid area) areas were balanced, while the water supply and demand in III (sub-arid area) and IV (arid area) areas were unbalanced. The mean square error of precipitation in area I was up to 70mm, and the interannual variation range of CWDI was the largest. In the 1970s, CWDI floated sharply in the sowing-seedling and seedling-jointing stages. CWDI in area II fluctuated greatly during the tasseling-milking stage in the 1980s. In area HI, CWDI increased at the rate of 1.06pp-10y-1(P<0.05) during the tasseling-milking stage, and the interannual drought tended to expand. There was little interannual change in area IV. (2) During 1961-2018 the ratio of drought stations in the tasseling-milking stage increased significantly at the rate of 2.58pp-10y-1 (P<0.05), and the average of extra severe drought was 14.95%. There was no significant change in the other four growth stages. During the tasseling-milking stage, the drought level was the most severe, and the drought range was significantly expanded. (3) In terms of spatial distribution, drought grade and frequency showed an obvious east-west distribution. The frequency of slight drought in eastern and southwestern Heilongjiang province, western Jilin, and western Liaoning province (area I and II) is more than twice in three years. In the Zhangcheng district (the cities of Zhangjiakou and Chengde in Hebei, area III), the frequency of moderate drought during the stage of sowing-seedling reached more than once in 5 years. In Mu Us Desert (it is located between Yulin, Shaanxi province and the Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, area I ), the frequency of extra severe drought in the jointing-tasseling stage reached twice in 3 years, and the period of jointing-tasseling was mainly threatened by extra severe drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design of the microporous layer (MPL) is very important for the water management of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The uncertainty of pore structure distribution of MPL originated from the random stacking of particles. To facilitate the water transfer at high current density, it is necessary to improve the capillary force of the gas diffusion layer (GDL). The hierarchical porous structure MPL was designed by coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different length-diameter ratios. In the process of constructing the network structure of CNTs, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/N-methylpyrrolidone binder/solvent system alleviates the structural and performance defects caused by the agglomeration via an integrated method of dispersion and binding. The optimal current density of PEMFC at 0.2 V can reach 1913.8 mA/cm2 under the optimal MPL structure. The peak power density of GDL-G PVDF prepared with PVDF is 831.8 W/cm2 which is 8.85% and 15.74% higher than that of GDL-1 PVDF and GDL-2 PVDF with single pore structure, respectively. The lowest mass transfer resistance of GDL-G PVDF is 23.71 mΩ, indicating that it can discharge excess water at the catalyst layer/MPL interface to avoid flooding. This design provided a novel strategy for the stable operation of PEMFC at high current density. [Display omitted] • Two types of carbon nanotubes were used to construct MPL with hierarchical network structure. • Enhanced performance of PEMFC was achieved through enhancing capillary pressure. • The optimized properties of MPL ensure ultra-low mass transport resistance. • The MPLs with PVDF/NMP binder/solvent system facilitate the water and gas transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two complexes [Cd(L)2(NO3)2] (1) and [Ni(L)2(OH)2][Ni(L)2(CH3OH)2](NO3)2·CH3OH (2) (L = 2‐[2‐pyridyl]‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazolin 3‐oxide) were gained via complexation an amount of the new ligand L with different nitrate salts. The obtained complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallographic. In the crystal structure, centrosymmetric 1 adopted slightly distorted octahedral geometry. On the other hand, the independent unit of 2 contained two half Ni (II) complex located on a center of symmetry, differing for the axial ligand, two uncoordinated nitrate ions, and one lattice methanol molecule. Both the crystal structures formed a 3‐D supramolecular architecture through different interactions (H‐bonds, π···π, etc). X‐ray crystallography revealed that complexes 1 and 2 had 2:1 ligand‐to‐metal ratios. Most strikingly, 1 performed different fluorescence behaviors in diverse solvents, whereas 2 exhibited fluorescence quenching. When 1 was dissolution in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent system, it has better fluorescence properties. The geometry optimization and HOMOs and LUMOs energies of both complexes were calculated by density functional theory (DFT) methods, and the nucleophilic and electrophilic attack sites were confirmed with electrostatic potential (ESP) calculations. Preliminary investigation of antimicrobial activities of all compounds against Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) was reported. Additionally, CrystalExplorer program was used to quantify the noncovalent interactions in complexes 1 and 2 through Hirshfeld surface analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Herein, we developed a facile one-step strategy to construct uniform bimetallic Pt 75 Co 25 alloyed nanodendritic assemblies (Pt 75 Co 25 NDAs) in oleylamine (OAm). OAm and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) acted as reductant and structure-director, respectively. l -Proline served as the green co-reductant and co-structure-directing agent. By virtue of the unique structures and cooperative effects of the bimetals, the obtained catalyst displayed remarkable enlargement in catalytic properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 at 1600 rpm with a scan rate of 5 mV s−1 and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.5 M KOH at 5 mV s−1 with a rotation rate of 1600 rpm, outperforming home-made Pt 60 Co 40 nanoparticles (NPs), Pt 82 Co 18 NPs and commercial Pt black catalysts. This work offers some guidance for novel dendritic nanoassemblies as advanced efficient and robust electrocatalysts. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Pt 75 Co 25 NDAs were fabricated by a one-pot method. • l -Proline and CTAC acted as the co-structure-directors. • The specific architectures have highly enlarged specific surface area. • The catalyst showed dramatically boosted catalytic performances for HER and ORR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Pt-based nanocomposites with low Pt utilization and high-activity by incorporating with other transition metals have received significant interest in catalysis. Meanwhile, loading Pt-based catalysts on graphene has great research value for improved stability and dispersity of the catalysts. Herein, a facile l -proline-mediated solvothermal strategy was reported to construct reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported sheet-like PtCo nanocrystals (Pt 78 Co 22 NCs/rGO) in ethylene glycol (EG). The as-synthesized nanocomposite manifested remarkably improved catalytic properties and chemical stability for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), surpassing home-made Pt 29 Co 71 nanoparticles (NPs)/rGO, Pt 83 Co 17 NPs/rGO, Pt 52 Co 48 NPs, commercial Pt/C and Pt black catalysts. These scenarios demonstrated an improved catalytic performances by tailoring the feeding ratio of Pt:Co and introducing rGO as a support. This work provides some new insights to design rGO-supported Pt-based catalysts by engineering the shapes and compositions in practical fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract The research for highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts in fuel cells has attracted substantial interest. Herein, bimetallic alloyed Pt 71 Co 29 lamellar nanoflowers (LNFs) with abundant active sites were obtained by a one-pot solvothermal method, where cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and 1-nitroso-2-naphthol (1-N-2-N) served as co-structure-directors, while oleylamine (OAm) as the solvent and reducing agent. The fabricated Pt 71 Co 29 LNFs exhibited the higher mass activity (MA, 128.29 mA mg−1) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) than those of home-made Pt 48 Co 52 nanodendrites (NDs), Pt 79 Co 21 NDs and commercial Pt black with the values of 39.46, 49.42 and 22.91 mA mg−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the MA (666.23 mA mg−1) and specific activity (SA, 2.51 mA cm−2) of the constructed Pt 71 Co 29 LNFs for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) are superior than those of Pt 48 Co 52 NDs (213.91 mA mg−1, 1.99 mA cm−2), Pt 79 Co 21 NDs (210.09 mA mg−1, 1.12 mA cm−2) and Pt black (57.03 mA mg−1, 0.25 mA cm−2). Also, the Pt 71 Co 29 LNFs catalyst exhibited the best durable ability relative to the references. This work demonstrates that the developed strategy provides a facile platform for synthesis of high-performance, low-cost and robust catalysts in practical catalysis, energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven previously undescribed cytochalasans, namely, boerechalasins A–G, together with one analogue, were characterized from the solid culture of the fungus Boeremia exigua. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis as well as electronic circular dichroism calculations. Remarkably, boerechalasin F possessed an unusual sulfoxide moiety that might be derived from methionine, while boerechalasin G had an unusual 5-methylcyclohexane-1,2,3-triol substituent at N-2 position. Boerechalasins A and E exhibited inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with IC 50 values of 21.9 and 5.7 μM, respectively. Boerechalasin F displayed cytotoxicity against human MCF‒7 cells with an IC 50 value of 22.8 μM. Eight previously unreported cytochasans have been isolated from the fungus Boeremia exigua. Some of them exhibited anti-inflammatory activity or cytotoxicity. [Display omitted] • Seven previously undescribed cytochalasans were isolated from Boeremia exigua. • Compound 6 represented the first example of cytochalasan originated from methionine. • Compound 7 contained an interesting 5-methylcyclohexane-1,2,3-triol substituent. • Two compounds displayed anti-inflammatory activity. • One compound displayed cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) is closely related to some human diseases, monitoring and detection of UDG activity have great significance in its clinic diagnosis and functional study. Here we demonstrate a sensitive cascade multi-amplification fluorescence strategy for the active UDG assay with the help of exonuclease III (Exo III). Under the cleavage reaction of UDG, the double-stranded DNA containing peculiar uracil bases separated into two dissociative single-stranded DNA, which separately hybridized with two cyclic hairpin probes to launch the Exo III-assisted dual cycles. The hairpin DNA modified with fluorophore and quenching group was employed as the signal probe. After the dual cycles, countless same short DNA fragments were generated to hybridize with signal probes, initiating a new Exo III-assisted cyclic amplification and releasing numerous single-stranded DNA which carried only fluorophores. Thus, the fluorescence intensity of the detection system was enhanced. This study obtained the detection limit as low as 2.4 × 10 −4  U/mL for detecting the UDG activity. And it performed satisfactory selectivity and well practical applicability by analysis of the HeLa cell lysate, providing a potential method for clinic diagnosis and functional study of UDG activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three‐dimensional (3D) hollow nanoframes with high surface‐to‐volume ratio and abundant accessible active sites are a type of promising catalysts, albeit with the challenging synthesis by a one‐step solvothermal method. In this research, uniform bimetallic PtCu alloyed hollow cubic nanoframes (HCNFs) were synthesized with high yield by a simple, template‐free, one‐step co‐reduction approach, where cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), Cl−/O2, ethanolamine, and oleylamine served as the structure director, oxidative etchant, reducing agent, and co‐reductant, respectively. The architectures were characterized by a series of characterization techniques. Combined with the 3D hollow structures, PtCu HCNFs exhibited enlarged specific/mass activities, boosted catalytic activity, and improved durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) compared with Pt nanocubes (Pt NCs), commercial Pt/C (20 wt %), and Pt black catalysts in alkaline solutions. This work provides guidelines for the rational design and synthesis of frame‐like nanocatalysts with superior catalytic activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology- and size-tunable synthesis of nanocatalysts has attracted substantial research interest especially in catalysis. In this work, we synthesized free-standing Pd nanochain networks (Pd NCNs) and Pd nanodendrites (Pd NDs) through a direct poly- l -lysine (PLL)-mediated one-pot aqueous method. The presence of PLL and its concentrations were critical in this regard, showing PLL as the structure-directing and capping agents during the nucleation and crystal growth procedures. The synthesized architectures exhibited improved catalytic activity and enhanced durability towards formic acid oxidation and hydrogen evolution reactions relative to commercial Pd black catalyst. Moreover, the electrochemical active surface area and the electrocatalytic performance of Pd NCNs were dramatically enhanced in comparison to Pd NDs mainly owing to the unique network-like structure of Pd NCNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive detection of disease-related DNA is of great significance for early and accurate diagnosis and therapy. To achieve this aim, we constructed a dual-cycling amplification biosensor for target oligonucleotide detection. Based on the toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction (TSDR), target DNA competitively hybridized with the assistant DNA which previously formed a duplex complex with the trigger DNA, and the trigger DNA was released. Exonuclease III (Exo III) would specially hydrolyze the assistant DNA in the new duplex DNA to free the target DNA for a new cycle. Similarly, based on the TSDR and Exo III assisted amplification, the released trigger DNA would repeatedly open the G-quadruplex hairpins and promote the generation of numerous G-quadruplex sequences. Then, the fluorescence intensity of Thioflavin T (ThT) would present apparent enhancement due to the formation of the G-quadruplex/ThT complex. The commercially available ThT is economical and of low toxicity. More importantly, owing to its satisfactory water solubility, ThT effectively avoids the introduction of organic solvents. There was no need for expensive modification through the whole process. The proposed method displayed high distinction efficiency towards target DNA against mismatched DNA. Additionally, the linear range of this strategy was 0.2–10 nM, and the detection limit was 0.04 nM. Besides, this sensor can be applied in human serum with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the DNA damage repair enzymes, uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) plays an important role in maintaining genomic integrity. By linked bridge hybridizing-induced split G-quadruplex (SQ), we demonstrate here the construction of a simple and sensitive DNA machine for the detection of UDG activity. The satisfactory split G-quadruplex sequences (SQS) were successfully selected to be the ingredients of SQ formation. In this work, UDG recognized and removed the uracil bases from the stem of hairpin DNA (HP). And then, HP with a low melting temperature hybridized with designed SQS, forming a three-way DNA structure with an SQ. With the addition of Thioflavin T, a dramatical enhancement of fluorescence intensity was presented due to the G-quadruplex/Thioflavin T complex formation. The detection limit was as low as 7.8 × 10 −3 U/mL. And we also successfully investigated the performance of UDG activity in the HeLa cell lysate. This optical DNA machine with the merits of being simple, rapid, and economical was flexibly suitable for not only active UDG assay but also diverse target detection by adjusting the recognition region of the HP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple solvothermal method was developed to prepare N-doped reduced graphene oxide supported homogeneous PtCo nanodendrites (PtCo NDs/N-rGO), where ethylene glycol (EG) served as the reducing agent and the solvent, and linagliptin as the structure-directing and stabilizing agent for PtCo NDs and dopant for rGO, respectively. Controlled researches showed that the dosage of linagliptin and the ratios of the two metal precursors were important in the current synthesis. The PtCo NDs/N-rGO nanocomposite exhibited higher catalytic activity towards the reduction of 4-nitrophnol (4-NP) in contrast with the referenced Pt 1 Co 3 NCs/N-rGO, Pt 3 Co 1 NCs/N-rGO and commercial Pt/C catalysts. More importantly, the constructed catalyst exhibited the superior stability without sacrificing the catalytic activity, showing great prospect for the reduction of 4-NP in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG), one of the base-excision repair enzymes, is closely relevant for the diseases of the organism. Here, we proposed a resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) strategy for sensitively detecting the active UDG based on a dual amplification DNA machine without label under the catalysis of exonuclease III (Exo III). In our study, a double-stranded DNA complex S1-S2 containing triggers and peculiar uracil bases was employed. To achieve the dual amplification strategy, we adopted hairpin probes HP1 and HP2. The unique hairpin probes can partially hybridize with S1 and S2, respectively. With the excision reaction of UDG, the uracil bases were excised from S2 in double-stranded S1-S2, resulting in a lower melting temperature of the S1-S2. Then, the S1-S2 was dissociated to single-stranded S1 and S2 with abasic sites. Subsequently, the liberated strands separately hybridized with hairpins to initiate the Exo III-catalyzed dual amplification. In the presence of K + , countless c-myc sequences which were produced by the amplification reaction formed G-quadruplex structures. Finally, with the addition of Mg 2+ , long and continuous G-wire structures were obtained, causing an obvious enhancement of RRS intensity. The proposed RRS DNA machine obtained the limit of detection as low as 1.0 × 10 −5 U/mL for the active UDG assay. Moreover, qualitative analysis of the active UDG was successfully achieved in HeLa cells lysate. The DNA machine is a potential tool to be used in UDG clinical diagnosis or functional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coffee bean weevil (CBW), Araecerus fasciculatus (De Geer, 1775), is a cosmopolitan stored-product pest, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Previous reports showed evidence for aggregation behavior of CBW and this study aimed to identify and evaluate the aggregation pheromone of this pest. Whole-body solvent extractions were analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and comparison of male and female extracts showed a male-specific compound which was identified as squalene, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-2,6,10,14,18,22-tetracosahexaene. This compound was shown to attract male and female CBW in Y-tube olfactometer and storage trap assays. The longevity of septum lures was also evaluated in a warehouse. Squalene could be useful in monitoring and controlling this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we develop a simple one-pot aqueous method to prepare AuPd alloy nanocrystals on reduced graphene oxide (AuPd NCs/rGO), by using 1-acetyl-4-( p -hydroxyphenyl) piperazine (AHPP) as the reductant, stabilizing agent and structure-director, without any other additives (e.g., seed, surfactant or polymer). The product is mainly characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The obtained AuPd NCs/rGO displays enlarged electrochemically active surface area and superior catalytic performances toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) relative to Pt/C, Pd/C, Pd/rGO and Au/rGO catalysts, showing promising applications in energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmenopausal hypertensive is associated with estrogen deficiency. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of drospirenone combined with 17-β-estradiol (DRSP/E2) in postmenopausal hypertensive women. A systemic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science (up to Oct. 2015) was performed. Studies were screened independently by two researchers according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria which included only the randomized controlled trials (RCT) about the drospirenone with 17-β-estradiol for postmenopausal women with hypertension. The methodological quality was evaluated by Cochrane handbook 5.1.0 and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3.0 software. Five randomized controlled trials involved 1121 patients who met the eligibility criteria. Overall, DRSP/E2 group was superior in reducing clinical blood pressure (BP) and 24-h mean BP. There was no significant change in potassium levels on DRSP/E2 group versus control group, suggesting probability potassium sparing effect of this hormone therapy. The incidences of adverse events were low and similar. The current evidences indicate that DRSP 3 mg/E2 2 mg can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal hypertensive women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microporous layer (MPL) as a part of diffusion medium has an important impact on mass transfer of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this study, MPLs of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are prepared with different carbon blacks, and the properties of carbon blacks and their effects as MPLs on cell performance are systematically investigated. The results show that the GDL prepared by Acetylene Black (ACET) exhibits the best performance with a maximum power density up to 2.05 W cm−2. Moreover, it still maintains extremely high performance with increasing current density even at humidity condition of 100% relative humidity, which means its excellent water/gas transportation capacity. This study contributes to deeply understanding the correlations between the properties of MPL material itself and their corresponding performance exhibited in cell. It also provides an important reference for enhancing cell performance and further advancing the practical applications of MPLs in PEMFC field. [Display omitted] • This paper focus on the selection and optimization of MPL materials. • The physical characteristics of different GDLs are systematically compared. • Pore size distribution and surface wettability of GDLs are two key characteristics. • Properties of carbon blacks and their effects on cell performance are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of auto disturbance rejection controller(ADRC) based on genetic algorithm for keeping UUV depth was designed according to the characteristics of UUV maneuvering. Because of more parameters of ADRC, its parameter design was transformed to parameter optimization. The controller parameter of ADRC in a UUV depth control system was optimized by using the genetic algorithm. The depth control of UUV was simulated without disturbing and near the surface. The simulation results show that the AD-RC controller has better depth keeping and anti-jamming performances. Compared with the conventional PID controller, the amplitude and the frequency of steering controlled by ADRC controller are reduced much more obviously. The control quality of ADRC is significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Raman vibration spectra of nanoscaled anhydrous and hydrous (SiO2) n (n =6–20) of single-line, double-line and ring conformations have been calculated using the density functional theory (B3LYP) at 6-31g(d) level. Two specific Raman vibration modes are chosen to demonstrate effect of polar groups. Raman frequency shift law is interpreted successfully using the model of the simple harmonic oscillator combining with the cascade and parallel connection principle. Polarization ratios suggested that polar groups’ influence is quite distinct on the different direction due to orientation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two mono‐ and dinuclear Bi(III) complexes, [Bi(L)2(NO3)2]·NO3 (1) and [Bi2(L)2Cl8] (2) (L = (2‐(2‐pyridyl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazoline‐N3‐oxide), were obtained via complexation of L with Bi(III) nitrate pentahydrate and Bi(III) chloride. L and both complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic methods including FT‐IR, UV–Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Specifically, it clearly manifested that both complexes had good fluorescence emission and showed different fluorescence behaviors in diverse solvents. Both Bi(III) complexes were further determined by X‐ray crystallography, and it was found that the ratio of ligand to metal was 2:1 in 1, whereas 2 was 1:1. Their coordination geometric configurations were significantly different, such as octa‐coordinated complex 1 formed an infinite 1‐D chain‐like, funnel‐shaped 2‐D network, and ladder‐like 3‐D supramolecular framework, whereas hexa‐coordinated complex 2 with a binuclear structure exhibited two slightly distorted octahedral geometric structures; meanwhile, symmetric units came into being an infinite 2‐D layer even and meter‐shaped 3‐D supramolecular skeleton. The optimal geometries, frontier molecular orbital energies, and molecular electrostatic potential diagrams of both complexes were calculated using DFT/B3LYP. The electronic distribution of HOMO‐LUMO rationalized the results of UV–Vis spectra with the help of TD‐DFT calculations. Furthermore, all samples demonstrated excellent antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, non‐covalent interactions of complexes and their contributions were quantified with Hirshfeld surfaces using CrystalExplorer17 program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Cd(II) coordination polymer was synthesized and structural characterized by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. • The solid-state luminescence properties of L and Cd(II) coordination polymer were measured. • Time dependent DFT calculations on the optimized structure of the Cd(II) complex allowed for the assignment of specific electronic transitions in the UV–Vis spectrum. • The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show the character of the Cd(II) complex and the nucleophilic and electrophilic attack sites were confirmed with electrostatic potential (ESP) calculations. • Non-covalent supramolecular interactions in the crystal structure were quantified by means of Hirshfeld surface analysis. A novel 1-D, 2-D, 3-D supramolecular cadmium(II) coordination polymer [Cd(L) 4 (NO 3) 2 ] n (L = 4-methyl-2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,2-dihydroquinazoline N3-oxide) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods at solid-state, as well as determined by X-ray crystallographic. X-ray structure revealed that had 4:1 ligand-to-metal ratio and was best described as slight distorted octahedral geometry with six-coordinated environment. In particular, it fostered into an infinite one-dimensional (1-D) chains coordination polymer without any non-covalent interactions. The geometry optimization and HOMO, LUMO energies level calculations were performed using DFT methods. Specifically, the electronic transitions and spectral features were carried out by TD-DFT calculations. The electrostatic potential (ESP) analysis was utilized to visualize electrophilic and nucleophilic attack sites on the molecule, which verified the existence of hydrogen bonds in the optimized geometry. In addition, the solid-state luminescence and electrochemical property of Cd(II) complex was also investigated. The non-covalent interactions of Cd(II) coordination polymer was quantified with Hirshfeld surface analysis using the CrystalExplorer program. A new 1D chain Cd(II) coordination polymer, [Cd(L) 4 (NO 3) 2 ] n , was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods at solid-state. The Cd(II) coordination polymer was in six-coordinated environment and developed into an infinite 1-D chain, 2-D layer and 3-D supramolecular framework. The structural of Cd(II) coordination polymer have been amended markedly and the HOMO, LUMO energies level were calculated by TD/DFT. The electrostatic potential (ESP) calculations were utilized to analyse electrophilic and nucleophilic attack sites on the molecule. The consequence of cyclic voltammetry of Cd(II) coordination polymer revealed an irreversible couple Cd(II)/Cd(0) reduction process. The non-covalent interactions were quantified with Hirshfeld surfaces using the CrystalExplorer program. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The favorable interfacial properties of carbon fibers (CFs) and matrix are the key to the design and fabrication of a CF reinforced composite with superior micromechanical properties for various modern technological applications. However, high viscosity of a thermoplastic polymer makes resin infusion difficult, resulting in poor impregnation into CFs, ultimately leading to insufficient interfacial adhesion during composites fabrication process. Here the polycarbonate nanoparticles (PC-NPs) were pre-coated on the CFs from PC-NP aqueous solution and formed compact microstructure, which significantly improved the resin impregnation around CFs and interfacial adhesion between CFs and PC matrix. This PC-NP assisted CF/PC composite exhibits an increased interfacial shear strength up to 37.03 MPa, which is ~67.25% higher than that of un-coated CF/PC composite. Moreover, the tensile strength and flexural strength are enhanced remarkably by ~41.06% and ~22.16% increase, respectively. These results therefore demonstrate that the attachment of thermoplastic PC-NPs is a facile, environmental-friendly and viable approach in design and modification of the interfacial properties of CFs and PC matrix, which can be expanded for other multifunctional CF-reinforced composites with unique micromechanical properties for various practical applications. • A controlled attachment of PC-NPs on CF surface can be achieved by electrostatic attraction in the aqueous solution. • PC-NPs attachment to the CF surface leads to high resin impregnation and a desired interface between CFs and PC matrix. • PC-NP assisted CF/PC composites exhibit highly efficient interfacial adhesion and excellent mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to analyze the differences in the quality of silage feed from annual pasture grasses in the area around Qinghai Lake, to define the nutritional range of different silage feeds, and to select silage feeds suitable for promotion in the area around Qinghai Lake. In this study, four annual forage treatments in the area around Qinghai Lake were used to harvest silage at the heading stage of oats, each treatment was repeated with five replicates, and the silage was sealed in bags for 60 days, and the pH value, nutritional quality and sensory quality of the silage were measured after opening, and the nutritional value and relative feeding value of each treatment were comprehensively evaluated by the grey correlation method. The results showed that the sensory evaluation grades of Avena sativa' Qingyin No. 1' (Q1) and Huayouza 62 + Avena sativa' Qingyin No. 1' (H62 + Q1) treatments were high-quality. The pH value of the seven treatments was between 3.8~4.1. The water content and crude ash content (Ash) of Q1 were significantly lower than those of other treatments (P<0.05), the concentrations of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were significantly higher than those of other treatments (P<0.05), and the relative feeding value (RFV) of the seven treatments was between 108~141. The relative feeding value (RFV) and dry matter intake (DMI) of Vicia faba L. variety 'Qinghai 13' + Vicia sativa (Q13 + J) silage were significantly higher than those of other treatments (P<0.05).The results showed that the tested annual forage grass could be successfully silaged in the area around Qinghai Lake, and there was no inferior grade in the sensory evaluation of seven treatments, and Q13 + J silage had the highest relative feeding value, the best palatability, and was easier to be eaten by livestock. According to the comprehensive analysis of the grey correlation method, the Q1 silage is more suitable for application and promotion in the area around Qinghai Lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two mononuclear and dinuclear octahedral complexes, [Mn(L1)2Cl2] (1) and [Bi2(L2)2Cl8] (2) (L1 = 2‐(2‐pyridyl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazoline‐N3‐oxide, L2 = 2‐(3‐pyridyl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazoline‐N3‐oxide) were prepared by natural volatilization method. The ligands and both complexes were compared with spectroscopic methods, as well as characterized by elemental analysis. The photoluminescence behaviors of both complexes in different solvents were also investigated. The coordination possibility of ligands toward Mn (II)/Bi (III) was verified using X‐ray crystallography, and it revealed that the ratio of ligand to metal was 2:1 in 1, whereas 1:1 in 2. The adjacent molecules of six‐coordinated complex 1 constituted an infinite 1‐D chain, 2‐D network, and ladder‐like 3‐D supramolecular frameworks. Most strikingly, hexa‐coordinated complex 2 with dinuclear structure formed an infinite 1‐D chain, 2‐D layered and meter‐shaped 3‐D supramolecular skeleton. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was used to optimize the geometry of complexes, compute the electrostatic potential diagrams, and evaluate the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap. The electronic transition simulated through time‐dependent (TD)‐DFT level of calculation rationalized the experimental data. The antibacterial properties of all compounds were evaluated against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial strains. In addition, the Hirshfeld surface was utilized to quantify some hydrogen bonding interactions and their contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 2-D, 3-D zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes, [Zn(L) 2 ](NO 3) 2 ·2CH 3 OH (1) and [Cd(L) 2 (NO 3) 2 ] (2) were obtained by reaction of an amount of L with different nitrate salts and characterized by FT-IR, UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra, elemental analyses, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT studies, as well as antimicrobial activities of all compounds were also compared. • Two 2-D and 3-D supramolecular Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) complexes containing imidazole ring were structural characterized. • The activity data showed the metal complexes to be more antibacterial than the quinazoline-type ligand L. • The experimental investigations match with those obtained from TD-DFT calculations. Two 2-D and 3-D supramolecular complexes [Zn(L) 2 ](NO 3) 2 ·2CH 3 OH (1) and [Cd(L) 2 (NO 3) 2 ] (2) (L = 2-(4-imidazolyl)-4-methyl-1,2-quinazoline-N3-oxide) were synthesized and characterized by IR, UV–Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and elemental analysis. X–ray crystallography reveals that 1 and 2 have 2:1 ligand-to-metal ratio. Zn(II) complex 1 had slightly distorted octahedral geometry with two non-coordinated nitrate anions and assembled into fishnet-like 2-D and even M-shape 3-D skeleton, while six-coordinated Cd(II) complex 2 had a distorted octahedral geometry included two coordinated nitrate anions and formed an infinite 2-D layered skeleton, and even a wavy 3-D supramolecular network. Furthermore, antimicrobial activities of all compounds were also investigated. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to ascertain the optimum geometry structures of both complexes and the calculated HOMO and LUMO energies were presented. The electronic transitions and spectral character of complexes were discussed by TD-DFT calculations. Non-covalent interactions among both complexes were quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have numerous applications in the field of carbon nanomaterials. However, the associated toxicity concerns have increased significantly because of their widespread use. The inhalation of MWCNTs can lead to nanoparticle deposition in the lung tissue, causing inflammation and health risks. In this study, celastrol, a natural plant medicine with potent anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reduced the number of inflammatory cells, including white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, and levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in mice lungs exposed to MWCNTs. Moreover, celastrol inhibited the activation of the NF-κB-signaling pathway. This study confirmed these findings by demonstrating comparable reductions in inflammation upon exposure to MWCNTs in mice with the deletion of NF-κB (P50−/−). These results indicate the utility of celastrol as a promising pharmacological agent for preventing MWCNT-induced lung tissue inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pyrolytic method is described for preparation of ultrafine Fe3C nanoparticles incorporated into N-doped graphitic carbon nanosheets (Fe3C@NGCSs). Iron phthalocyanine and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) are used as starting materials. The hybrid nanocomposite was placed on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and then applied to simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA) and xanthine (XA). Figures of merits are as follows: for AA, the linear response range covers the 54.0–5491.0 μM range, the lower detection limit is 16.7 μM, and the best working voltage (vs. the saturated calomel electrode (SCE)) is 0.05 V. The respective data for DA are 1.2–120.8 μM, 0.34 μM and 0.19 V (vs. SCE). For UA, the respective data are 4.8–263.0 μM, 1.4 μM and 0.32 V (vs. SCE), and for XA the data are 4.8–361.0 μM, 1.5 μM and 0.71 V (vs. SCE). The method was successfully applied to their simultaneous determination in spiked serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing an effective method for improving the reproducibility of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect is of great significance for large-scale application of polymer based PTC composites, owing to its contribution to the security and reliability. Herein, we developed a carbon black (CB)/high density polyethylene (HDPE)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite with outstanding PTC reproducibility, by incorporating 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([OMIm][NTf2]) into the composite. After multiple repeated temperature cycles, the PTC performance of as-prepared material keeps almost unchanged and the varition of resistance at room temperature is less than 7%. Our studies revealed that [OMIm][NTf2] contributes to the improvement of PTC reproducibility in two ways: (i) it acts as an efficient plasticizer for refining the co-continuous phase morphology of HDPE/PVDE blends; (ii) it inhibits the crystallization of PVDF through the dilution effect, leading to more overlaps of the volume shrinkage process of HDPE and PVDF melt which results in the decrease of interface gap between HDPE and PVDF. This study demonstrated that ionic liquids as the multifunctional agents have great potential for improving the reproducibility in the application of the binary polymer based PTC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quinazoline‐type ligand 2‐(4‐diethylamino‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinazoline 3‐oxide (HL1; H is the deprotonatable hydrogen) was prepared. Two 2‐D supramolecular complexes [Cu2(L2)2(NO3)2] (1) and [Ni2(L2)2(CH3COO)2] (2) (L2 = 1‐(2‐{[(E)‐(4‐diethylamino‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene]amino} phenyl)ethanone oxime) were synthesized using HL1 and characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. It revealed that 1 had coordinated two nitrate ions whereas 2 had acetate ions. In the crystal structures, six‐coordinated Cu (II) complex 1 formed an infinite 2‐D and X‐shaped 3‐D supramolecular frameworks. Simultaneously, Ni (II) complex 2 assembled into wavy 2‐D networks. Furthermore, electrochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of all compounds were as well investigated. Afterwards, the electrophilic and nucleophilic attack sites identified by electrostatic potential (ESP) calculations confirmed that hydrogen bonds were observed in the optimized structure of the crystal, and the closest contact between the active atoms of both complexes was confirmed through Hirshfeld surface analysis and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A ratiometric fluorescent sensor has been applied for detecting UDG. • This method can selectively detect UDG with a low detection limit. • The system is label-free, simple, fast, and economic. • The kinetic parameter and the UDG inhibition effect have been evaluated. Abstract As one of critical base excision repair enzymes, uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) can specifically repair uracil-induced DNA damage to maintain the genome integrity of organisms. Moreover, abnormal expression of UDG is related to various cancers and other serious diseases. Therefore, it is essential to accurately and sensitively monitor UDG activity. In this work, a ratiometric fluorescence method using poly-(thymine) DNA template copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) as the output signals is developed for simple, selective, and sensitive detection of UDG. A double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) consisting of a uracil-containing single chain and a trigger sequence is designed as a substrate dsDNA. Meanwhile, another dsDNA comprising 30 pairs of A-T bases ((AT) 30 dsDNA) is designed to be partially complementary to the trigger chain. The (AT) 30 dsDNA itself has no blunt or recessed 3′ end and cannot be cut by exonuclease III (Exo III). With the Exo III-assisted amplification, adding UDG results in the success synthesis of red-emissive Cu NCs, while the dsDNAs in the system are hydrolyzed and the fluorescence signal of DAPI is weak. In contrast, without addition of UDG, the fluorescence intensity of Cu NCs is low, while the DAPI emits significantly enhanced fluorescence signal. The proposed method presents a detection limit of 5.0 × 10−5 U mL−1 and can be applied to the HeLa cell lysate sample with satisfactory results. Additionally, the kinetic parameter is studied and the UDG inhibition effect is evaluated. In summary, this work provides a potential platform for DNA repair enzyme-related analysis and clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Results of previous studies about the prognostic roles of histone H4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16ac) and histone H4 lysine 20 trimethylation (H4K20me3) in breast cancer were inconsistent. Cellular experiments revealed the interplays between H4K16ac and H4K20me3, but no population study explored the interaction between them on the prognosis. Methods: H4K16ac and H4K20me3 levels in tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for 958 breast cancer patients. Hazard ratios for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using Cox regression models. Interaction was assessed on multiplicative scale. Concordance index (C-index) was calculated to verify the predictive performance. Results: The prognostic roles of the low level of H4K16ac or H4K20me3 were significant only in patients with the low level of another marker and their interactions were significant. Moreover, compared with joint high levels of both them, only the combined low levels of both them was associated with a poor prognosis but not the low level of single one. The C-index of the clinicopathological model combined the joint expression of H4K16ac and H4K20me3 [0.739 for OS; 0.672 for PFS] was significantly larger than that of the single clinicopathological model [0.699 for OS, P < 0.001; 0.642 for PFS, P = 0.003] or the model combined with the single H4K16ac [0.712 for OS, P < 0.001; 0.646 for PFS, P < 0.001] or H4K20me3 [0.724 for OS, P = 0.031; 0.662 for PFS, P = 0.006]. Conclusions: There was an interaction between H4K16ac and H4K20me3 on the prognosis of breast cancer and the combination of them was a superior prognostic marker compared to the single one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic role of either forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) or anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) in breast cancer has been found separately. Considering that there were interplays between them depending on ER status, we aimed to assess the statistical interaction between AGR2 and FOXA1 on breast cancer prognosis and examine the prognostic role of the combination of them by ER status. Methods: AGR2 and FOXA1 expression in tumor tissues were evaluated with tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry in 915 breast cancer patients with follow up data. The expression levels of these two markers were treated as binary variables, and many different cutoff values were tried for each marker. Survival and Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between AGR2, FOXA1 and prognosis, and the statistical interaction between them on the prognosis was assessed on multiplicative scale. Results: Statistical interaction between AGR2 and FOXA1 on the PFS was significant with all the cutoff points in ER-positive breast cancer patients but not ER-negative ones. Among ER-positive patients, the poor prognostic role of the high level of FOXA1 was significant only in patients with the low level of AGR2, and vice versa. When AGR2 and FOXA1 were considered together, patients with low levels of both markers had significantly longer PFS compared with all other groups. Conclusions: There was a statistical interaction between AGR2 and FOXA1 on the prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer. The combination of AGR2 and FOXA1 was a more useful marker for the prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to improve the thermal shock resistance of CaZrO 3, CaZrO 3 was synthesized by a solid-state reaction method with analytical ZrO 2 and CaCO 3 as raw materials, and MgO as additive. The effects of MgO on Flexural strength at room temperature, thermal shock resistance, XRD and microstructure of CaZrO 3 were characterized. The results show that the grain growth of CaZrO 3 is inhibited and the thermal shock resistance of CaZrO 3 is improved by adding MgO. With the increasing of MgO, the flexural strength at room temperature of samples are improved due to the grain refinement. When the addition of MgO is 8%, the flexural strength at room temperature increases to 270.15 MPa. The thermal shock resistance of samples are improved by MgO deflecting and bridging cracks. When the addition of MgO is 4%, the residual flexural strength of samples is the maximum (26.94 MPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione (GSH), as a crucial endogenous thiol and antioxidant, plays an essential role in the biological system, and its abnormal levels are closely related to various diseases. Therefore, it continues to be of enormous significance to develop a sensitive and efficient method for the assay of GSH. Herein, we report a facile and sensitive polymer dots (PDs)-manganese dioxide (MnO 2 ) nanosensor for turn-on assay of GSH. In this sensing system, the PDs with strongly green fluorescence were prepared by a mild one-step method using hydroquinone and ethylenediamine as precursors, and the fluorescence of PDs can be quenched by MnO 2 nanosheets. The PDs-MnO 2 nanosensor was the turn-off state. In the presence of GSH, however, the fluorescence of the PDs-MnO 2 nanosensor can remarkably recover because MnO 2 nanosheets can be reduced into Mn 2+ by GSH. The PDs-MnO 2 nanosensor was the turn-on state. Based on the change of the fluorescence signal from turn-off switched to turn-on, a sensitive method was successfully constructed to detect GSH. We also systematically discussed the mechanism of the PDs-MnO 2 nanosensor for GSH assay, indicating that the MnO 2 nanosheets-induced the fluorescence quenching was derived from inner filter effect (IFE). The PDs-MnO 2 nanosensor toward GSH showed a wide linear range from 0.5 to 200 μM and high sensitivity with a limit of detection of 0.10 μM. The as-developed PDs-MnO 2 nanosensor was also successfully applied to detect GSH in human serum with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, reduced graphene oxide supported PtPd alloyed core-shell nanodendrites (Pt 77 Pd 23 ACSNDs/rGO) were fabricated by a one-pot aqueous method with the biosynthesized polypeptide (colistin sulfate, CS) as the eco-friendly stabilizer and structure-director. The associated morphology, composition and structure were mainly investigated by a set of characterization techniques, and the synthesis mechanism was discussed in details. When compared with home-made Pt 59 Pd 41 nanoparticles (NPs)/rGO, Pt 89 Pd 11 NPs/rGO, Pt NPs/rGO, commercial Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts, the prepared nanocomposite exhibited comparable and/or even superior catalytic characters for glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) with the higher mass activity (MA, 1533.49 mA mg −1 metal ) and specific activity (SA, 2.74 mA cm −2 metal ), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with the lower onset potential ( E onset , −34 mV), smaller overpotential (57 mV) at 10 mA cm −2 and Tafel slope (36 mV dec −1 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coffee bean weevil (CBW), Araecerus fasciculatus (De Geer, 1775) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) is an important pest of stored products such as grains, coffee beans, cassava, and traditional Chinese medicine materials. In China, CBW causes large losses of Daqu, a traditional Chinese liquor fermentation starter, and, unfortunately, the use of conventional insecticides against CBW is not suitable in Daqu storage. We found CBW to be highly attracted to fermenting yeast cultures, such as Kluyveromyces lactis. Eight volatile compounds, produced by fermenting cultures and not by sterile samples, were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Five of these substances elicited significant responses in Y-tube behavioral bioassays. Field trapping experiments revealed 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethyl acetate to be crucial for attraction of CBW. Results show that yeast volatiles play an important role in host location, and that 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethyl acetate could be utilized as potential attractants in monitoring and control systems against this important pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the ability of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA), and Copenhagen Index (CPH‐I) to identify primary ovarian cancer (OC) from borderline and benign ovarian tumors (OTs) and explore ideal cutoff points. Methods: A total of 684 OTs containing 276 OC patients, 116 ovarian borderline OTs and 292 benign OTs patients who underwent surgery in our hospital were included. We retrospectively searched the results of CA125 and HE4 before patients' surgery from the hospital's electronic medical records system. ROMA and CPH‐I were calculated according to their menopausal status and age, respectively. Diagnostic performance of these four were assessed by drawing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH‐I were all significantly higher in OC women compared with borderline OTs (p < 0.001), followed by benign OTs (p < 0.001). Area under the curves (AUCs) for distinguishing OC were 0.850 (0.818–0.882), 0.891 (0.865–0.916), 0.910 (0.888–0.933) and 0.906 (0.882–0.930), respectively, and the corresponding ideal cutoff values for CA125, HE4, ROMA, and CPH‐I were 132.5, 68.6, 23.8, and 6.4, respectively. The difference between ROMA and CPH‐I was not significant (p = 0.97), but both were higher than CA125 and HE4 (p < 0.05). HE4 showed a significantly higher AUC than CA125 (p < 0.05). For postmenopausal women, CA125 performed equivalently to ROMA (p = 0.73) and CPH‐I (p = 0.91). Conclusions: In identifying patients with OC, ROMA and CPH‐I outperformed single tumor marker. The diagnostic performance of HE4 was significantly higher than that of CA125. CA125 was more suitable for postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excellent microporous layers (MPLs) in the gas diffusion layer requires superior mass transfer capacity, which is essential to high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, the correspondence between MPL structure and mass transfer performance is ambiguous. Here, we design efficient mass transfer channels in MPLs with evolutionary structures by adjusting the content of whisker-like carbon nanotubes (WCNTs). The cell power density exhibits a bimodal shape with the increase of WCNTs in MPLs, which verifies that the perforated cracks of 5–10 μm in the MPL provide the separated channels for water and gas transport, and the optimal hydrophobic mesopores (34.87%) promote the mass transfer efficiency by elevating the capillary force of water transport. At 100% relative humidity (RH), the peak power densities of cells with the two MPLs are increased to 2.321 W cm−2 and 2.117 W cm−2, respectively. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms that the impedance of both MPLs are 109.35 mΩ cm2 and 63.55 mΩ cm2 at 100% RH and 3 A cm−2. The simple and scalable strategy provides a novel idea to relieve the mass transport loss of fuel cells. • Mass transfer channels in MPLs with evolutionary structures are designed. • The mass transport performance of PEMFC exhibits a bimodal shape. • Crack morphology of MPLs are controlled by adjusting content of whisker-like CNTs. • Two mechanisms to improve the mass transfer capacity of GDL are proposed. • A novel strategy provides ideas to relieve the mass transport loss of fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cellular experiments revealed that a decreased histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) level was associated with the upregulation of oncogenes in breast cancer cells. Moreover, the role of H3K9me3 in breast cancer was closely associated with estrogen receptor (ER) status. Therefore, we aimed to examine the prognostic value of H3K9me3 on breast cancer by ER status. The level of H3K9me3 in tumors were evaluated with tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry for 917 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using Cox regression models. Interaction between H3K9me3 and ER on the prognosis was assessed on multiplicative scale. Results: The level of H3K9me3 in tumor tissues was lower than that in adjacent tissues. The high level of H3K9me3 was associated with a better OS (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21–0.86) and PFS (HR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.29–0.81) among only ER-positive but not ER-negative tumors. Moreover, the interaction between the level of H3K9me3 and ER status (negative and positive) on the prognosis was significant (Pinteraction = 0.011 for OS; Pinteraction = 0.022 for PFS). Furthermore, the ER-positive tumors were stratified by ER-low and ER-high positive tumors, and the prognostic role of H3K9me3 was significant among only ER-high positive patients (HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13–0.85 for OS; HR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26–0.86 for PFS). Conclusions: Our study showed that the prognostic value of H3K9me3 on breast cancer was related to ER status and expression level, and the high level of H3K9me3 was associated with a better prognosis among ER-positive tumors, particularly ER-high positive tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are currently widely used and are expected to be used as drug carriers and contrast agents in clinical practice. Previous studies mainly focused on their lung toxicity; therefore, their effects on the vascular endothelium are unclear. In this study, a human angiogenesis array was used to determine the effect of MWCNTs on the expression profile of angiogenic factors in endothelial cells and to clarify the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in MWCNT-induced endothelial cell injury at the cellular and animal levels. The results indicated that MWCNTs (20–30 nm and 30–50 nm) could enter endothelial cells and disrupt human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. MWCNTs disrupted the tube formation ability and cell migration function of HUVECs. The results from a Matrigel Plug experiment in mice showed that angiogenesis in the MWCNT experimental group was significantly reduced. The results of a protein chip analysis indicated that VEGF expression in the MWCNT treatment group was decreased, a finding that was validated by ELISA results. The protein expression levels of AKT and eNOS in the MWCNT treatment group were significantly decreased; the administration of recombinant VEGF significantly alleviated the migration ability and tube formation ability of endothelial cells injured by MWCNTs, upregulated the protein expression of AKT and eNOS, and increased the number of neovascularization in mice in the MWCNT treatment group. This study demonstrated that MWCNTs affect angiogenesis via the VEGF-Akt-eNOS axis which can be rescued by VEGF endothelial treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glass polyalkenoate cements (GPC) comprising zinc borogermanate glass may have clinical potential as injectable bone cements. However significant improvements in setting characteristics are required, i.e. significant extension of working/setting times into clinical relevant ranges is required without compromising strength. Achieving such features may be possible via reducing the zinc to germanium ratio of such glasses coupled with an annealing process. The reactivity of non-annealed and annealed experimental glasses with Zn:Ge ratios between 1:0.64 and 1:1.11 were compared by measuring GPC working times, setting times, and compressive strengths. The working and setting time results were impressive, and ranged from 2–15 and 5–31min, respectively, influenced by both Zn:Ge ratio and annealing. Interestingly, abrupt and significant changes in handling properties were observed in both non annealed and annealed GPCs as the Zn:Ge ratio passed 1:1. The strongest composition comprised an annealed glass with a 1:0.74 ratio, which demonstrated 30MPa at 1 day increasing to 39 MPa at 30 days. The influence of glass annealing on GPC strength was found to be compositionally dependent. These experimental GPCs demonstrated handling characteristics sufficient for use as injectable bone cements [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Finite magnesium oxide nanotubes are investigated. Stacks of squares and hexagons of MgO clusters are constructed and studied by the density-functional theory (DFT). Optimized structures are slightly distorted stacks of polygons. Frequencies of radial breathing modes and radial twisting modes show strong size effect. Raman and infrared activity of the modes present a dependence on parity of layer. The activity can be deduced in the low-dimensional system, based on the symmetry and selection rules. A suggestion for experimental characterization between squares and hexagons cross-sections of nanotubes by Raman and infrared is proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The IR and Raman spectra, nonlinear optical properties of MgO nanotube clusters are studied by density-functional theory at B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The IR spectra are match closely to those in the corresponding MgO cluster and bulk materials. The strongest peaks of the IR spectra are located in the range from 650 to 750cm−1. The Raman spectra are very sensitive to structural variations in MgO clusters, and redshift of vibrational frequency is observed in Raman spectra as increasing cluster length. The motion of the strongest peaks in spectra is discussed. The total dipole moment and the first hyperpolarizabilities oscillate between zero and a constant when the layer is grown for the layer dependence of symmetry in MgO nanotube clusters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Object counting has been widely studied because of its practicality. However, most currently published object counting datasets contain only a single class of objects, such as crowd or vehicle, which is challenging to meet the usage needs of tasks, such as traffic control. For practical applications, a multi-class object counting (MCOC) dataset that includes transports is increasingly needed. Therefore, this study collected a large-scale MCOC dataset from the Web and live-viewing, called the Soochow university counting (SCU-Counting) dataset. Images from the Web are licensed for free modification, sharing and using for all creative commons. SCU-Counting consists of 2521 images, where 108 images are empty scenes and others are annotated, in a total of 274,199 annotated instances (195,018 humans, 38,831 cars, 2503 trucks, 6445 buses, 10,964 tricycles, 4600 e-bikes, 9729 e-scooters, 3900 bicycles, 2169 motorcycles). Except for empty scenes, each image contains at least one type of objects. In addition, this study proposes a convolutional neural network-based multi-aware feature aggregation network (MAFA-Net) for MCOC. MAFA-Net first uses a front-end module to extract shallow image features, and then designs a multi-aware module that can aggregate contextual, channel and spatial information of features extracted by the front-end. Additionally, a class adaptive weight assignment (CAWA) loss function is developed based on the focal loss function, which can regulate the sample balance between classes in MCOC tasks. We conducted comparative experiments on five public counting datasets to evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed MAFA-Net. In addition, we conducted extensive experiments on the SCU-Counting dataset to validate the counting and target localization abilities of MAFA-Net. For the counting task, MAFA-Net achieves the best MAE (mean absolute error) of 20.08 and MSE (mean squared error) of 46.11, which is 1.84 and 1.75 lower in MAE and MSE than the second best method, respectively. For the localization task, MAFA-Net reaches 90.3% normalized average precision (nAP) at the level of 0.5 and 67.5% average nAP at the level set of { 0. 05 , 0. 1 , ... , 0. 50 } , which suggests that the localization performance of MAFA-Net can meet the requirement of applications. In summary, experimental results demonstrate the usability of the SCU-Counting dataset and the superiority of MAFA-Net. • Collecting a multi-class object counting (MCOC) dataset named SCU-Counting. • Proposing MAFA-Net for MCOC, which can be adapted to the needs of MCOC tasks. • A class adaptive weight assignment loss function is designed to improve the accuracy of counting. • Conducting extensive experiments demonstrates the usability of SCU-Counting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]